Atlantis

Donovan

There is a second song that reminds of Billy Batts — it’s this terrific single from ‘69. We go from the innocence of the Crystals to this late 60’s anthem in the SAME sequence. This beautiful chorus and Donovan’s voice carry us to a sacred place. Atlantis — the place we long for, the place we once lost. Like a heaven or maybe it’s hell. The after life, where Batts is headed.

What a spellbinding choice as the violence erupts and Batts is kicked, beaten and shot. Jimmy and Tommy hold nothing back. Right in Henry’s joint. And Tommy’s shaking after what he’s done. The only place in the film where Tommy looks weak, human, regretful. While Batts lays bleeding, dying.

I didn’t want to get blood on your floor

How these two song choices work together is mind-blowing filmmaking. I mean…we can also talk about the camera movement — a 10. The editing? Another 10. The performances. 10’s across the board. But these two songs cement this sequence into the pantheon of great filmmaking sequences. 🎬🎵